Press release: BCCLA Calls on Canadian Border Services to Explain their “Inland” Patrols

BC Civil Liberties Calls on Canadian Border Services to Explain their “Inland” Patrols

ATTENTION EDITORS: The previously announced daily press briefings at 8:00 a.m. at 1188 West Georgia are cancelled. Press briefings will be announced by media advisory.

The BCCLA is calling on the Canadian Border Services Agency to explain the presence of “inland” patrols in downtown Vancouver which are increasingly being noted by the BCCLA Legal Observers.

CBSA officers patrol the DTES on Tuesday evening

Legal Observers attended at yesterday’s major demonstrations which proceeded peacefully: an anti-war demonstration that took place at the Vancouver Art Gallery Monday evening and an anti-houseless demonstration took place at noon. The housing demonstration culminated in a “tent village” that is situated in a vacant lot in the 100 block of West Hastings Street. While all went well at these events, the Legal Observers are noting policing changes.

Micheal Vonn, Policy Director, BCCLA: “We are sensing a shift in the policing culture of the public demonstrations, in particular we are noting the presence of Canadian Border Services Agents patrolling public space. We are unclear on their authority and mandate and ask the CBSA to clarify for the public what they are doing patrolling our downtown streets.”

The Legal Observers have also seen Corrections Officers present at demonstrations and will be seeking clarification on this as well.

Vonn: “We are seeing an edgier tone to the policing of the demonstrations with increased incidents of our Legal Observers being pointedly photographed and addressed by name by police officers who are apparently interested in letting our volunteer citizen observers know that the police have gone to some effort to identify them.”

CBSA is responsible for the detection, investigation, arrest and removal of persons in Canada determined to be in contravention of immigration legislation; disposition of files/cases and information and services to clients, partners and stakeholders for the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

Key Activities:
– Manages and coordinates actions and activities and conducts analysis and decision making for an evolving group of enforcement related files/cases or services
– Formulates approaches and conducts detailed research, fact-finding, interviewing and investigation, control and enforcement actions and services
– Compiles and conducts critical analysis of situational information and data, and of trends and developments and determines and takes required actions and decisions relative to the disposition of files/cases, and to addressing issues, problems, emerging trends, requirements and situations
– Provides advice, leadership, guidance, support and counselling to associates, clients, partners and stakeholders
– Develops or provides input and feedback on policies, programs, guidelines, directives and operational processes
– Establishes, develops and maintains collaborative relations and interaction with clients, partners and stakeholders